SURABAYA, Nov 23 – The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) was established in 1956 as a non-governmental organisation during a meeting in Bangkok attended by the heads of eight state universities in Southeast Asia. ASAIHL’s mission is to assist its member institutions in enhancing their capacities through mutual self-help while fostering international excellence in teaching, research, and public service. By achieving these objectives, the member institutions contribute significantly to their respective nations and to the progress and development of the Southeast Asian region. In November 2024, Universitas Airlangga hosted the ASAIHL Conference 2024 under the theme The University’s Role in Advancing Climate Crisis Reduction. The event attracted over 100 participants from 51 ASAIHL member institutions. More than 20 research papers, including four recognised as country-specific contributions, were presented.
Three participants represented Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Two of them, Associate Professor Dr. Suresh Ramakrishnan and Dr. Ain Naadia Mazlan, presented papers during the conference. Associate Professor Dr. Suresh Ramakrishnan shared his research on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies among financial institutions, offering valuable insights into sustainable finance practices. Meanwhile, Dr. Ain Naadia Mazlan presented a compelling case study on Identifying Community Champions for Urban Farming through Talent Assessment Surveys, sparking lively discussions and interest among attendees. The third UTM representative, Ahmad Hilman Borhan, participated as a conference delegate. He actively engaged in networking with peers from other universities and explored potential collaborations on sustainability-focused projects and initiatives.
The ASAIHL Conference 2024 underscored the critical role of higher education institutions in tackling the global climate crisis. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, the conference reinforced the importance of collective efforts in creating a sustainable future for the region and beyond.
Benefits of UTM’s Participation in the ASAIHL Conference
UTM’s participation in the ASAIHL Conference 2024 provided numerous benefits. The university strengthened its position as a thought leader in sustainability-focused research and innovation. The opportunity to present groundbreaking research enhanced UTM’s visibility and credibility within the international academic community. Furthermore, the networking opportunities facilitated by the conference opened avenues for potential collaborations, particularly in climate-related projects. These connections are expected to lead to impactful joint initiatives that will contribute to addressing global climate challenges and support UTM’s strategic goals for sustainability and academic excellence.